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Families and new parents in Greenwich to receive early years support says Abena Oppong-Asare MP

Families and children in Erith and Thamesmead will be able to access early years support such as pregnancy support, infant feeding advice, parenting classes and other support to give their child the best start in life, following a £126 million Government funding boost – delivering on the Labour’s Plan for Change.

Greenwich is expected to receive at least £1,472,500 as part of the wider investment increase.

Children’s early years are crucial to their development, health and life chances. Antenatal classes, health visitors, parenting support, baby and toddler groups and access to affordable, high-quality early education and childcare – all are vital to guiding parents and supporting child development. Yet over 80% of parents have said they struggled to access services.

As part of our Plan for Change we’re committed to strengthening and joining up family services to improve support through pregnancy and early childhood and improve long term outcomes for children – including through today’s investment in Family Hubs and the Start for Life programme.

Abena Oppong-Asare, Member of Parliament for Erith and Thamesmead said:

“I am absolutely delighted that families and children in Erith and Thamesmead will be able to access early years support through this funding boost from the Government.

“Families in Erith and Thamesmead elected a Labour government to give every child the best possible start in life, and that is what we’re delivering.

“This will make such a huge difference for so many families in our community and I know that the impact will be felt for years to come.”

Andrew Gwynne, Minister for Public Health and Prevention, said:

“This crucial investment provides a strong foundation to deliver our commitment to raise the healthiest generation of children ever, by giving parents the support they need to ensure their baby has the best start in life.

“The first two years of a child’s life lay the building blocks for their physical and emotional wellbeing into adulthood. That’s why we are investing in early years, as part of our Plan for Change, to improve access to services in deprived areas to ensure no-one is left behind.”

For more information see: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/families-to-receive-126-million-in-early-years-support

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November 2024 Newsletter

Dear Friends,

Thank you for taking the time to look at my monthly newsletter for November 2024.

I hope you enjoy this update on some of the work I have been doing in Erith and Thamesmead and in Parliament over the last month.

As ever, if you want to get in touch, don’t hesitate to contact me using the email address: abena.oppongasare.mp@parliament.uk

Abena

Response to the Autumn 2024 Budget

On 30 October, Rachel Reeves MP, the first female Chancellor, presented Labour’s first Budget in over 14 years, outlining her plans to fix the foundations of our economy. I was delighted to see many important announcements in the Budget that I believe are going to positively impact so many working families in Erith and Thamesmead.

These included an increase in the National Living Wage; more support for the NHS; more investment in SEND services; a real boost for millions of carers; £1bn investment in removing unsafe cladding; a freeze in fuel duty; and a firm commitment to the ‘triple lock’, giving over 12 million pensioners £500 more from next April.

Earlier this month, I wrote an article sharing my reaction to the Budget, which you can read here, and I also spoke about how the Budget will impact you here.

While I know there were tough decisions made at the Budget, I fully support the Government’s commitment to delivering this needed investment in Britain’s future – fixing the NHS, protecting working families and rebuilding our country.

Remembrance Day Events 2024

It was an honour to represent Erith and Thamesmead this month during several important Remembrance Day events in our community and in Parliament.

I laid a wreath at Thamesmead War Memorial, Plumstead Cemetery, Woolwich Cemetery and Abbey Wood Memorial Gardens. I also attended a Remembrance Sunday Service at St. Michael and All Angels Church in Abbey Wood. We will remember them.

I also pay tribute to the volunteers who supported the Royal British Legion to raise funds for such a great cause and I was pleased to meet some of them at their stand in Morrisons, Thamesmead.

Thanks as well to local constituent, Dawn, who made poppies herself to raise funds – I was pleased to wear one of her poppies in Parliament this year.

Visit to local Post Office in Plumstead

I really enjoyed visiting our local Post Office on Plumstead High Street recently. It was good to speak to the Postmaster and Branch staff about how they keep the vital service running for local constituents.

Tihar, Deepawali & Diwali Celebrations in Parliament

It was such a pleasure to host this lovely celebration in Parliament alongside the Mayor of Greenwich, Cllr Jit Ranabhat. As the first one under the new Government, the evening was filled with joy and dancing, making it a truly memorable occasion. I was delighted to be joined by many members of the Nepalese community and also Baroness Armstrong and Sarah Owen MP, who both spoke.

Plumstead Station Access for All

It was fantastic to officially mark the opening of two new lifts at Plumstead Station this month. I know many constituents have campaigned for this and I’m pleased that this will bring a lot a relief to many local residents.

Willow Dene School Visit

It was lovely to visit Willow Dene School this month and speak to parents, students and staff about special education services in our community of Erith and Thamesmead. Also great to hear more about the work being done to improve access to eye care for people with learning disabilities.

Black History Month Debate and appointment of new Windrush Commissioner

At the end of last month, I was very pleased to open the important ‘Black History Month’ debate in the House of Commons. It was great to hear so many powerful contributions from MPs from across the country. We’ve come a long way, but there’s still so much more to do to break down barriers for all. 

I was also pleased to share an important Government announcement of new support for Windrush victims, including the appointment of an important new Windrush Commissioner. These are first steps to ensure justice is finally delivered. You can find out more by reading this article here. You can also watch part of my speech here.

Ministerial work in the Cabinet Office

It’s been another eventful month in the Cabinet Office as I continue my work as Parliamentary Secretary with a focus on national security, resilience and civil contingencies.

I was pleased to visit Burnley College for the grand opening of its new Security Operations Centre. You can find out more about this state-of-the-art facility and how they will help train the next generation of cyber experts here.

It was also great to catch up with the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, ahead of my Cabinet Office meeting with the London Resilience Forum. And I enjoyed my visit to the Thames Barrier, alongside Minister Emma Hardy, to discuss how they protect over a million Londoners from the threat of tidal flooding.

Alongside ministerial colleagues, it was also a pleasure to meet Malala Yousafzai and discuss the distressing situation in Afghanistan, especially for women and girls. You can find out more here.

Furthermore:

  • The Javan Coker Foundation receives the King’s Award for Voluntary Service – Many congratulations to the whole team for this brilliant achievement.
  • Greenwich Diwali Celebration – It was lovely to join the Mayor of Greenwich and many local residents at this Civic reception at the Town Hall in Woolwich.
  • My article in the Guardian celebrating Lord Paul Boateng – Lord Boateng proves that passion plus determination moves mountains. I was pleased to pay tribute to Paul in the Guardian during Black History Month. You can read my article here.
  • Family Rights Group 50th Anniversary reception – Was pleased to attend this important reception in Parliament alongside Baroness Armstrong of Hill Top.
  • Happy Guru Nanak Gurpurab – Sending my best wishes to the local Sikh community and all those who mark this important anniversary.
  • Lords Spiritual (Women) Act (Extension) Bill – Pleased to speak for the Government on this important bill to increase female representation on the bishops’ benches in the Lords. You can read my speech here or watch it here.
  • Passing of John Prescott – Very sad to hear of the passing of John Prescott, a towering figure in our movement and so central to previous Labour Governments.

Stay updated on social media

For regular updates on my activities, follow me on Twitter (@abenaopp), Facebook (Abena Oppong-Asare MP, Erith and Thamesmead), and Instagram (abena.oppongasare.mp).

You can also sign up to my digital newsletter at www.abenaoppongasare.com/get_in_touch

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Response to the Autumn 2024 Budget

The Budget 2024

I am proud to support this Labour Government’s Autumn 2024 Budget, the first Labour Budget for over 14 years, which delivers on our promises of change for working people. It will fix the foundations of our economy, secure investment for the future and begin the process of rebuilding Britain.  

Delivered by the UK’s first female chancellor Rachel Reeves, the Budget prioritised fixing Britain’s key public services, such as the NHS and our education system, and begun the process of stabilising the broken economy left to us by the previous Conservative government. We also ensured that working people would not face higher taxes in their payslips, delivering on our manifesto promises not to increase VAT, national insurance or income tax on working people.  

The chancellor highlighted that this budget would turn the page on the last 14 years of economic decline, taking the tough decisions on spending and welfare by tackling fraud, tax avoidance and waste, and making sure that taxpayer’s money is spent efficiently and sets Britain up for future economic growth.  

You can read the key announcements included in the Autumn 2024 Budget below: 

  • Increasing the National Living Wage by nearly 7% – worth up to £1,400 for a full-time worker. 
  • Injecting an extra £25.6 billion for the NHS over two years to cut waiting lists. 
  • £2bn extra in NHS technology to improve Britain’s health services.  
  • No increase in Income tax, National Insurance or VAT for working people. 
  • Preserving the State Pension Triple Lock, with over 12 million pensioners gaining up to £475 next year. 
  • A 2.7% real terms increase to the Ministry of Defence’s budget to improve national security.  
  • Support for the recruitment of 6,500 teachers by increasing the Core Schools Budget by £2.3 billion next year.  
  • Abolishing the non-dom status.  
  • Maintaining the fuel duty freeze.  
  • £30 million to provide free breakfast clubs. 
  • £500 million investment to build 5,000 new social homes. 
  • Former mineworkers will receive £1.5 billion that was kept from their pension. 
  • The biggest increase to Carer’s Allowance eligibility since its introduction.  
  • £1 billion to help those facing financial hardship via the Household Support Fund.  
  • 40% relief on business rates, hospitality and leisure sectors. 
  • £500 million to fix local roads and fill a million potholes.  
  • Increase in the employment allowance to support small businesses.  
  • Cracking down on fraud, tax avoidance and waste.

Stay updated on social media

For regular updates on my activities, follow me on Twitter (@abenaopp), Facebook (Abena Oppong-Asare MP, Erith and Thamesmead), and Instagram (abena.oppongasare.mp).

You can also sign up to my digital newsletter at www.abenaoppongasare.com/get_in_touch

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October 2024 Newsletter

Dear Friends,

Thank you for taking the time to look at my monthly newsletter for October 2024.

I hope you enjoy this update on some of the work I have been doing in Erith and Thamesmead and in Parliament over the last month.

As ever, if you want to get in touch, don’t hesitate to contact me using the email address: abena.oppongasare.mp@parliament.uk

Abena

The Budget 2024

This month, it was crucial to hear the Chancellor outline the new Government’s vision to fix the foundations of our economy and deliver on the promise of change. After years of economic mismanagement, low wages, and low growth, I fully support this plan to repair the damage left behind by the last Government.

This Budget is focused on investing in our public services and supporting working people and families across the country, including those in our community of Erith and Thamesmead. If you have any questions about how the budget may affect you and your finances, please get in touch.

Christmas Card Competition Launch

Delighted to announce my Christmas Card Competition for 2024 has now been launched! Each year, I receive brilliant designs from primary schools across Erith and Thamesmead, with the winner being used as my official card design! You can find out more about the competition and how to get involved here.

Launch of Black Culture Collective CIC and Black History Celebration

It was a pleasure to speak at this important launch and celebration event at the Nest in Thamesmead. The Black Culture Collective (BCC) provides a Connected Communities Fund for local projects that make a real difference in the lives of people in our constituency. I expressed my appreciation for their great work.

Visit to Alex McLeod Primary School

Lovely to visit Alex McLeod Primary School this month on Show Racism the Red Card Day. I spoke with pupils about my journey to become an MP, the importance of Black History Month and I also joined in for some football practice! Thanks to the school for having me and the pupils for their great questions.

Asda Belvedere work on Breast Cancer Awareness

It was inspiring to visit the Asda Belvedere store earlier this month to find out more about their Breast Cancer Awareness Month campaign. Speaking to the store manager and those volunteering, I heard about their community engagement work and their great fundraising activities on this vitally important issue.

Ministerial work in the Cabinet Office

It has been another important month working in the Cabinet Office as minister responsible for national security, resilience and civil contingencies.

To build on this work, I was pleased to recently travel to Yorkshire to meet with local leaders and experts from across the country working to keep their communities safe from future threats.

As part of our ongoing review of the UK’s resilience, I met with Local Resilience Foru chairs from 11 regions across Northern England at the Emergency Planning College just outside York. You can find out more about my visit here.

Furthermore:

  • Apple Day at Woodland Farm Trust – Delighted to join Woodlands Farm Trust in Shooters Hill for their Apple Day on 13th October to celebrate Britain’s favourite fruit!
  • Kinship Carers Parliamentary Reception – Very nice to join a local Kinship carer from the constituency at this valuable parliamentary reception.
  • Prostate Cancer Parliamentary Reception – Important to attend Prostate Cancer UK’s reception. Thanks to all the constituents who have raised this issue with me.
  • Breast Cancer Now Reception in Parliament – Really grateful that Breast Cancer Now came to meet MPs, like me, in Parliament this month to raise awareness.
  • Passing of Lord Herman Ouseley – Very sad to hear that Lord Ouseley has passed away. He was a strong advocate and trailblazer, and my thoughts are with his family.
  • Welcome Reception with US Ambassador – It was great to attend a Welcome Reception for Labour MPs at Winfield House, home of the US Ambassador.
  • Black History Month Receptions in Westminster – I was delighted to join so many wonderful colleagues and friends this month to celebrate the contributions of Black Britons, including events at 10 Downing Street and at the Speaker’s House.
  • Women’s Lobby Reception – Good to attend the annual Women’s Lobby Reception in Parliament to connect with women building their careers in journalism.
  • Anti-Slavery Day Awards – Important to join the Human Trafficking Foundation and campaigners at this event and speak about concerning human trafficking issues.
  • Health Strategy Public Engagement Plan – Pleased that the Health and Social Care Secretary has launched a public engagement plan that will feed into the Government’s upcoming 10 Year Health Plan for England. You can contribute here.
  • Constituents attended PMQs – It was great to sponsor two constituents to visit PMQs this month. I’m glad they enjoyed their visit, and it was nice to catch up after.
  • Meeting with Clinton Walsh, Borough Commander for Bexley – Very important to discuss local issues with the Bexley Borough Commander at the London Fire Brigade.

Stay updated on social media

For regular updates on my activities, follow me on Twitter (@abenaopp), Facebook (Abena Oppong-Asare MP, Erith and Thamesmead), and Instagram (abena.oppongasare.mp).

You can also sign up to my digital newsletter at www.abenaoppongasare.com/get_in_touch

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Christmas Card Competition 2024 Launch

I am excited to announce that my annual Christmas Card Competition has officially launched! Each year I run this competition for primary school students across our constituency to produce amazing artwork that is sent out to local stakeholders in Erith and Thamesmead.

The theme for this year is: ‘What makes Erith and Thamesmead a fun place’. Pupils can draw or paint a design that shows what they love about places in our constituency, ensuring it has a Christmas theme. This might include sporting activities that make them happy, the parks or open spaces, local communities, shops, landmarks or even family and friends.

Entries must be accompanied by a few sentences explaining what the landmark means to the young artist and why they chose to draw it. The artwork will be assessed by a panel of judges, and the winning design will be used as my Christmas Card and sent to more than 1,000 local people and groups.  

In addition to the main prize, the winner and two runners up will receive a gift. 

The submission process is as follows:  

  1. The artwork must be A4 in size (including the pupil’s name, age, class and school) 
  2. It must be accompanied by a few sentences explaining why the pupil chose to draw it 
  3. Pupils or teachers must scan or take a photo of the artwork and send via email to abena.oppongasare.mp@parliament.uk 
  4. Submissions must be received by close of play on Friday 25th October 

The winners will be announced in an email to all participating schools shortly after the deadline. I hope to attend the winning schools to present the prizes in person and will be in touch with the relevant school(s) to arrange a suitable date and time. 

Below are some previous winners to provide some inspiration!

Previous Winners:

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September 2024 Newsletter

Dear Friends,

Thank you for taking the time to look at my monthly newsletter for September 2024.

I hope you enjoy this update on some of the work I have been doing in Erith and Thamesmead and in Parliament over the last month.

As ever, if you want to get in touch, don’t hesitate to contact me using the email address: abena.oppongasare.mp@parliament.uk

Abena

New Government’s Economic Plan

A few weeks ago, the Prime Minister addressed the nation and highlighted the black hole in the public finances left by the previous Government.

He made clear that some tough and unpopular decisions will need to be made at the upcoming October Budget to make sure the Government achieves its goal of fixing the foundations of the economy.

After 14 years of Conservative mismanagement, I support this important agenda to pick up the pieces and finally deliver the change the country desperately needs.

University of Greenwich Visit

It was a pleasure to visit the University of Greenwich’s Avery Hill campus this month and speak to the senior leadership team.

We spoke about their plans to break down barriers for students, establish local community projects and their ambitions to lead the sector in social mobility. 

Erith Town FC

Great to see Erith Town play Croydon Athletic, witness their 3-0 win and support grassroots football in the process. Honoured also to become a patron of the club and present player of the match!

Emmaus Greenwich

It was also inspiring to visit Emmaus Greenwich earlier this month. Their work makes a real difference to people trying to overcome homelessness, giving them support, skills and the confidence to build better lives. I thanked them and their companions for speaking to me about their experiences.

Grenfell Inquiry Report

As the final Grenfell Inquiry report was released this month, I want to share my continued sympathies to all the families and friends of the victims of the Grenfell fire.

This report demonstrated how the victims were badly failed over many decades and how all the deaths were avoidable.

This must be a moment of change on unsafe cladding still in place and I will continue to push for necessary steps to be swiftly taken.

Ministerial work in the Cabinet Office

In recent months, I’m pleased to have hit the ground running as a Minister in the Cabinet Office – leading on national security and resilience.

In my role, I was pleased to recently meet Columbian Foreign Minister Luis Murillo, as well as attending the first meeting of the Flood Resilience Taskforce, which I am Co-Vice Chair. I’ve also been on several insightful visits including to Airbus Helicopters’ HQ in Oxford and the Met Office HQ in Exeter.

Furthermore:

  • Passing of Nicky Gavron – I was devastated to hear this news about the former deputy Mayor of London. She was extremely dedicated, principled, and supportive.
  • Stephen Lawrence’s Legacy – Stephen would have celebrated his 50th birthday this September. Like many, his legacy inspires me and motivates us to push for justice.
  • The Ballad of Thamesmead – Had a fantastic time at this performance by Dante or Die Theatre. The Thamesmead Community Choir were excellent.
  • Plumstead Open Studios – I went to visit some of the brilliant local art exhibitions at Plumstead Open Studios – it is great to see so much talent in our constituency.

Stay updated on social media

For regular updates on my activities, follow me on Twitter (@abenaopp), Facebook (Abena Oppong-Asare MP, Erith and Thamesmead), and Instagram (abena.oppongasare.mp).

You can also sign up to my digital newsletter at www.abenaoppongasare.com/get_in_touch

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Meeting with Luis Gilberto Murillo

In my role as Parliamentary Secretary at the Cabinet Office, it was a pleasure to meet with the Colombian Foreign Minister Luis Gilberto Murillo to discuss the importance of our UK-Colombia partnership in tackling critical global challenges.  

We discussed the UK-Colombia security partnership and resilience against climate change. 

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Becoming a Patron of Erith Town FC

It was great to see Erith Town FC play against Croydon Athletic recently and witness their huge win.

It was a real honour to become a patron of the club and present player of the match. Grassroots football is deeply important to me, and to have such a special club run by great people in my constituency makes me very proud.

Their community work and youth engagement play a vital role in our constituency, provides a valuable sporting outlet, and develops life-skills and local projects that enrich the lives and improve the wellbeing of so many residents.

Grassroots football is so important for local communities. Go and support your local team.

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Flood Resilience Taskforce Meeting

It was important to attend the first meeting of the Flood Resilience Taskforce as Parliamentary Secretary at the Cabinet Office. The Taskforce is led by the UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. 

The task force brings together leaders from local government, the emergency services and local resilience forums to make communities more resilient against flooding. 

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Airbus UK HQ Visit

It was an honour to open Airbus Helicopters new UK headquarters and meet some of their staff and apprentices, this was done in alignment with my role as Parliamentary Secretary at the Cabinet Office,

Airbus helicopters are an important part of the UK’s security, assisting and supporting UK resilience through police, air ambulance and military helicopters.

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